Ryan assumes command of the 157 ARW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlyn Correia
  • 157 Air Refueling Wing
PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NH --  Col. James P. Ryan assumed command of the 157th Air Refueling Wing from Col. Shawn "Rob" Burrus Feb. 7, 2016 at Pease Air National Guard Base, NH.

Following a ceremony performed by New Hampshire Adjutant General Maj. Gen. William Reddel III and attended by the Gov. Maggie Hassan, Ryan reminded the Airmen of their importance in the Wing's accomplishments.

"You're a winning team," said Ryan, who was the previous commander of the 157th Operations Group. "You represent all that is good in our great state and nation."

Ryan expressed his goals for the future of the wing, which include safely executing current missions and remaining focused on training so the Wing can successfully meet global deployments and be prepared to receive the KC-46 in 2018.

"Look up, keep your eyes on the horizon," said Ryan. "Get ready for an incredible new dawn."

During his remarks, Ryan also highlighted the importance of family and teamwork, citing his family history in the military and his father inspiring him to serve.

"This is about family, our wing, and all of you are part of a large, unique family with a common purpose, value and a goal," he said. "Every one of you is essential to the whole."

Ryan received his commission in 1988 from ROTC Detachment 157 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He relocated to Pease in 1996 and has served in multiple leadership roles. Ryan has logged 5,350 flight hours and 331 combat hours while flying the KC-135R and F-111F.

During Reddel's comments, he praised the work of Burrus during his time as wing commander. Burrus assumed the role in October 2014.

"Under the leadership of Col. Burrus and his team, this wing continued to excel to new levels," said Reddel. "He took the wing and brought it to new heights."

Burrus was presented the Meritorious Service Medal for his achievements as commander and will continue to serve in the NHANG, assisting with KC-46A integration. During his remarks, Burrus thanked the members of the wing for their hard work, and praised the collective accomplishments of the wing.